How China Allegedly Spied on U.S. Military for Years—And What They Filmed

Three Chinese nationals were arrested in Busan on June 25 for illegally using drones to film a U.S. aircraft carrier docked at a South Korean naval base. Following a forensic analysis of their digital devices, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies uncovered evidence suggesting that these individuals had been surveilling various military installations for at least two years.

The incident unfolded as USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived at Busan’s naval base to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol personally boarded the vessel, marking a symbolic moment for the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Three Chinese students in their 30s and 40s enrolled in graduate programs at a university in Busan were detained after being spotted flying a drone from a nearby hill. When questioned, they initially claimed they were filming purely out of curiosity. However, a thorough forensic examination of their smartphones and laptops revealed evidence of sustained surveillance activities targeting the military base and nearby installations dating back at least two years.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies now suspect these activities were part of a premeditated plan. Since then, law enforcement has imposed a travel ban on the three suspects and plans to summon them for further questioning to examine whether their actions could pose a national security threat.

An intelligence official emphasized the severity of the matter, noting that “unauthorized filming of South Korean military facilities by foreign nationals is a clear violation of the Military Base and Military Facility Protection Act.” The official added that a comprehensive investigation of these activities’ motives is essential.

In a separate incident on November 9, a Chinese man working for an international shipping company was apprehended while using a drone to film the National Intelligence Service headquarters. These incidents have heightened vigilance around military facilities and critical infrastructure across South Korea.